The Wallabies' plans for the highly anticipated British & Irish Lions series have been thrown into disarray following the news that star playmaker Noah Lolesio has undergone neck surgery. This development comes as a significant setback for the team, which had been relying on Lolesio's skills and experience to lead them against the formidable Lions.

The Incident

Lolesio was injured during the second half of Australia's narrow 21-18 victory over Fiji in Newcastle last Sunday. Initially, it was believed that the injury was not serious, and he was discharged from the hospital after a brief assessment. However, further medical evaluations revealed the need for surgery, which was successfully performed on Tuesday.

Impact on the Wallabies

Lolesio's absence leaves a considerable void in the Wallabies' lineup. Having started 12 of the 14 Tests under coach Joe Schmidt, Lolesio had become the first-choice fly-half. His injury now forces Schmidt to reconsider his strategy and possibly look to other options like Ben Donaldson or Tom Lynagh.

Coach's Perspective

Joe Schmidt expressed his relief that Lolesio is on the road to recovery but acknowledged the challenges ahead. "We were relieved that Noah was up and moving well after his initial hospital visit," Schmidt said. "However, his absence will undoubtedly affect our preparations for the Lions series."

Looking Ahead

The Wallabies are set to announce their squad for the Lions series this Friday. With Lolesio likely to miss the entire series, the team will need to adapt quickly. The focus will now shift to how Schmidt reshuffles his lineup and whether he brings in experienced players like Bernard Foley or James O'Connor to fill the gap.

Conclusion

Noah Lolesio's surgery is a significant blow to the Wallabies as they gear up for one of the most challenging series in rugby. The team's ability to adapt and overcome this setback will be crucial in their quest to triumph over the British & Irish Lions.